ULAANBAATOR – Yesterday, October 5th, was the day of the first bouts and the Opening Ceremony. Boxing is one of the most popular sports in Mongolia and it is before an audience of connoisseurs our student-athletes engaged in the competition.
Mr. IgarashiAfter the first 11fights the Opening Ceremony took place in the presence of local authorities. Delegations from the three continents marched in front of the VIPs and an enthusiast audience. President of the Organizing Committee and Minister of Health Mr. S. Lambaa welcomed the delegations and stressed the importance for Mongolia to organize this event. He then gave the floor to Mr. Hisato Igarashi, CISCA Chair. The latter highlighted the remarkable work of organizers and volunteers without whom this championship could not be done. He also thanked the AIBA for its support and assistance. He then invited Mr. Lambaa to declare the championship open.
Cultural ProgramAfter the FISU protocol a cultural program started that has enabled the delegations to discover various aspects of Mongolian culture.
The heads of delegation and members of the CISCA were also invited to a welcome reception. At the reception Mr. Bayasgalan, FISU Treasurer and President of the Mongolian University Sports Federation stressed the importance of university sport in the development of student-athletes and tomorrow’s elite. He also thanked the authorities for their support without which this kind of event would not be feasible in Ulaanbaatar. He also said that his federation will continue to host FISU events in the future.
(Source: Laurent Briel, FISU Director WUC)